UAE · Qatar · Saudi Arabia · Oman — 2025 Guide
Artists across the Gulf asked for one thing: a single, practical guide to buy quality art materials without burning the budget. Here it is. Below you’ll find a curated list of reliable online stores that deliver in the region and brick-and-mortar shops you can walk into today, plus smart money tips to keep costs down.
TLDR: Fast choices by city
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Where to buy Art Supplies in Dubai & Abu Dhabi
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Dubai Library Distributors (DLD) — huge range, multiple locations, online shop.
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Creative Minds — pro and hobby lines, online + stores in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
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Art Central Abu Dhabi — artist-grade materials, framing, ceramics, online catalog.
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Where to buy Art Supplies in Riyadh & Jeddah
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Jarir Bookstore — national chain with deep arts section and online delivery. Watch for card promos.
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Where to buy Art Supplies in Doha
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Cass Art Qatar at the Fire Station — specialist store inside the AiR complex.
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Al Rawnaq Trading — value for money, very wide stationery and art selection, online.
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Alif Stores — arts and crafts category with delivery in Qatar.
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Where to buy Art Supplies in Muscat
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Makan Studios — local shop with core paints, brushes and classes.
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Mulk Art Store — MTN spray paints and urban art supplies, local delivery.
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Shah Nagardas Manji & Co. — long-standing stationer with an art materials division.
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Best online options that ship in the Gulf
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Amazon.ae / Amazon.sa — broad selection from student to pro; fast local delivery; frequent deals on canvases and sets.
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noon (UAE, KSA, Oman) — everyday low prices and flash sales on canvases, sketchbooks and kids craft.
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Jarir.com — full art category with delivery in KSA and Qatar, including canvas and mediums.
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Desertcart — marketplace that imports global SKUs when local stock is scarce. Check seller notes for shipping fees and delivery times.
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Jackson’s Art (UK) — widest specialist range worldwide, ships to the Middle East. Factor shipping and possible import taxes.
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GreatArt (EU) — large catalogue, international delivery with longer lead times.
Tip: Heavy or oversized items like canvas packs cost more to ship internationally. Buy those locally, import only specialty items not available in your city.
Local store directory by country
Art Supplies in United Arab Emirates
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Dubai Library Distributors — 18+ stores across the UAE; online categories for Brushes, Canvas, Papers, etc. Good for bulk canvases and student sets.
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Creative Minds — comprehensive art and craft supplies with UAE online checkout.
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Art Central Abu Dhabi — artist-grade surfaces and framing; see online prices for canvases.
Art Supplies in Saudi Arabia
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Jarir Bookstore — national footprint, deep “Arts & Crafts” catalog online. Periodic bank card promotions reduce basket cost. Jarir Bookstore
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Amazon.sa and noon KSA — competitive for accessories and student sets; fast domestic shipping. Amazon Saudi Arabianoon.com
Art Supplies in Qatar
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Cass Art Qatar at the Fire Station — specialist shop stocking Winsor & Newton, Daler-Rowney, Faber-Castell. In-person browsing encouraged.
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Al Rawnaq Trading — budget friendly for canvases and basics, with online catalog.
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Alif Stores — arts and DIY section with delivery.
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VCUarts Qatar Bookstore — sells brushes, canvases and student essentials online.
Art Supplies in Oman
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Makan Studios — paints, brushes, paper, plus classes.
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Mulk Art Store — spray paints and street-art materials, Oman delivery.
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Shah Nagardas Manji & Co. — long-running stationery and art materials supplier in Muscat.
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Virgin Megastore Oman — basic arts and crafts online.
Online vs local: what is cheaper?
| Need | Usually cheaper | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk canvases, easels, heavy boards | Local (DLD, Jarir, Al Rawnaq) | Avoids international shipping surcharges on bulky items. |
| Specialty paints, printmaking, niche papers | Overseas online (Jackson’s, GreatArt) | Wider SKUs but factor shipping + duties. |
| Student sets and accessories | Amazon/noon/Jarir | Frequent promos and next-day delivery. |
| Spray paint | Local specialist (Mulk, some Jarir branches) | Aerosols face air-shipping restrictions. |
Cost-saving tips for Gulf-based artists when buying art supplies:
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Split your basket
Buy heavy items locally and small, specialty items from overseas. GreatArt and Jackson’s ship internationally but large canvases increase freight. -
Time your buys with promos
Jarir frequently runs card promotions that shave 10–20 percent off accessories and paints. Watch the product pages. -
Use marketplace filters
On Amazon and noon, check “ships from” and “sold by” to prioritize local fulfillment for speed and returns. -
Mind VAT and duties on imports
Jackson’s may collect taxes at checkout for some destinations to reduce customs friction on arrival. -
Avoid heat damage
In summer, avoid leaving paints and mediums in lockers or cars. Choose home delivery for temperature-sensitive goods. -
Buy canvas smart
Value chains like Al Rawnaq and DLD often stock budget canvas multi-packs. Reserve linen or museum-grade surfaces for key works. -
Join a store’s ecosystem
Art Central, Cass Art Qatar and others run workshops and printing or framing that can bundle discounts for regulars. -
Urban art exception
Aerosols are tricky to ship. Buy from local specialists such as Mulk in Muscat.
For more information, contact us at office@theartfairguy.com
